I AM moved to respond to Tory councillor Chris Steward’s somewhat bizarre attack on Rachael Maskell, where he implied that she was at odds with the Labour party, and had reason to fear for her seat at the upcoming General Election (Letters, April 21).

I can assure the councillor that Rachael is supported by Labour in everything she has said.

To comment that the timing of the election is reckless, coming only three weeks after Brexit negotiations have begun and after so many firm assurances from the PM that no such snap election was on the cards, is not to contradict Labour’s position that we are up for the fight.

I have campaigned with Rachael in a variety of settings over recent months and have personally seen how hard she works, how genuinely committed she is to representing the people of York, and how much she is appreciated for this commitment by people here, even if they might not otherwise be natural Labour voters.

Rachael is always ready to listen to and stand up for York residents.

I have spoken to dozens of York Labour members since this election was announced and I can say that every single one is proud to be campaigning for Rachael Maskell.

I would strongly advise Mr Steward not to waste his efforts trying to smear Rachael, but instead to use them more productively by asking his party leader, Theresa May, why she lacks the courage to take part in a televised debate.

Dr Ian Ingram, Member of York Labour (Acomb and Westfield branch) and chair of York Momentum